SAN DIEGO – Due to past rainfall and a state mandate with regard to water level, the City of San Diego is scheduled to release approximately 250 million gallons of water from Hodges Reservoir into the San Dieguito River. This will lower the current water level by approximately 2 feet. The water release, using valves in the dam, is scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, and will continue for approximately two days until the reservoir elevation is approximately 275 feet.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/San-Diego-Logo.jpg200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-11-28 13:04:232022-11-28 13:04:23City of San Diego to Release Water from Hodges Reservoir into San Dieguito River
Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District reports that it completed an initiative to provide nearly $1.2 million in rebates to customers and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback about the program.
The rebates were made possible following years of litigation by the San Diego County Water Authority against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for violating existing exchange agreements between the two agencies. The customer rebates come as residents across the county prepare for the holiday season, giving Rincon Water customers a boost to help put food on the Thanksgiving table and some extra gifts for family members next month.
Water rebates to customers
“When the San Diego County Water Authority won their lawsuits against the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, we had to decide on what to do with about $1.2 million that was returned to us,” said Clint Baze, General Manager of Rincon Water. “The Rincon Board of Directors said the decision was easy because the money belongs to our customers and that is where it should go. It was the right decision, and it reflects our values of integrity, transparency, and fiscal accountability.”
The Water Authority’s lawsuit against MWD resulted in the SDCWA disbursing over $90 million to 24 member agencies, including Rincon Water. The SDCWA suit was filed against MWD in an effort to remedy overcharges from 2011-2017.
Located in northern San Diego County, Rincon Water is an urban water district consisting of more than 8,600 metered connections, of which 89% are residential customers. Its industrial customers include companies ranging from a high-tech trauma hospital, a nationally popular brewery, and a large vital utility, among others.
Rincon Water delivers customer service to ratepayers
“We take our obligations to our customers seriously – in this case, it meant returning the money as fairly and efficiently as possible, thereby giving the customer the ability to make the decision on how to spend it rather than absorbing it into the budget,” Baze said. “Rincon Water continues to lead through our excellent customer service, our top-tier water and wastewater system, and our commitment to building a sustainable system for the future.”
Rincon Water provides safe and reliable potable and recycled water to a population of 32,000 people through more than 8,000 customer connections. Our potable distribution system consists of nine enclosed reservoirs with the storage capacity of 22.5 million gallons. The potable water system consists of over 117 miles of 8″ or bigger pipeline and four pump stations and has a peak production of 10 million gallons per day.
(Editor’s note: The Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Rincon-del-Diablo-MWD-Primary-photo-rebates.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-11-22 17:24:462022-11-22 17:28:08Rincon Water Rebates a Hit With Customers
Encinitas, Calif. —More than 70% of the western United States is experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions, and Californians are still being asked to curb water consumption to preserve water supplies. To encourage water conservation, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, in partnership with neighboring water districts San Dieguito Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and Carlsbad Municipal Water District, is offering discounted rain barrels to area residents through November 30.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Olivenhain-Logo-Square.jpg200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-11-22 08:20:202022-11-22 08:46:04Low-Cost Rain Barrels Are Still Available to Reduce Outdoor Water Use
The San Diego County Water Authority has been named a Top Workplace for 2022 by The San Diego Union-Tribune – the second straight year the agency has been recognized. The newspaper’s honor roll is based solely on employee feedback through third-party surveys by Energage LLC, an employee engagement technology firm.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SDCWA-200x200-1.png200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-11-21 09:55:302022-11-21 09:55:30San Diego County Water Authority Named a 2022 Top Workplace
Encinitas, Calif.— At its November 16 board meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District recognized seven individuals and businesses with “Pure Excellence” awards for making a positive impact in the local community in 2022.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Olivenhain-Logo-Square.jpg200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-11-17 09:44:222022-11-17 09:44:222022 “Pure Excellence” Award Winners Honored by Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Recognizing that a reliable water supply is critical to all economies and communities relying on the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin, more than 30 water agencies and providers have committed to take additional actions to reducing water demands and helping protect the Colorado River system.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was delivered to the Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton, municipal and public water providers in the Upper and Lower Colorado River Basin affirmed their commitments to implement comprehensive and innovative water conservation programs, initiatives, policies, and actions within their communities, including:
Expanding water efficiency programs for indoor and outdoor water use.
Implementing programs and policies reducing and replacing non-functional, decorative grass by 30 percent while protecting urban landscapes and trees canopies.
Increasing water reuse and recycling programs where feasible.
Implementing water efficiency strategies and best practices, such as water loss controls, conservation-based rate structures, industrial and commercial conservation, land use coordination and other suitable conservation strategies within each community.
Colorado River Basin and megadrought
“As we consider the long-term aridification of the Colorado River Basin, the math is simple: water uses exceed water supplies,” said John Entsminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. “But solving that equation will require all Colorado River water users across every sector to make hard decisions and be fully invested in water conservation if we are going to bring our shared river system into balance.
“This problem is of the highest magnitude, but collectively we have the resources to find the solution,” said Brenda Burman, Executive Strategy Advisor of Central Arizona Project. “The path forward will require all Colorado River water users to contribute, and Central Arizona Project continues to make investments and commitments to support the Basin to reach a sustainable water future.”
“The significance of nearly 30 municipal and industrial providers of Colorado River water signing on to this agreement is truly historic,” said Gene Shawcroft, General Manager of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District. “The commitments of municipal and industrial water agencies in both the Upper and Lower Colorado River Basins toward a unified approach to problem solving is critical in light of the current drought conditions and historic low reservoir elevations confronting the basin. I hope this agreement will provide an example of effective Basin-wide collaboration on the many Colorado River issues we face now and into the future.”
“Forging a sustainable future for the Colorado River will take a commitment from all of us to use less water. More than two dozen water agencies from cities across the Southwest have made this commitment on behalf of the millions of people they serve,” said Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. “This MOU is a key step towards bringing the River into balance, and powerful proof that working together, we can build solutions.”
Metropolitan is among 30+ water agencies committing to reducing demands on the #CoRiver by implementing comprehensive and innovative water conservation programs, initiatives, policies, and actions within their communities. Read more about the MOU: https://t.co/17K3FkgPtWpic.twitter.com/2xy0HCYYUi
Under the MOU, each participating water provider will implement the conservation actions, programs and/or policies most appropriate for its individual communities and water efficiency goals. While these water agencies primarily represent urban water uses, which is only a small fraction of the Colorado River’s total water consumption, the conservation strategies outlined will help reduce demands and protect water levels in lakes Powell and Mead.
“A sustainable, long-term plan for the Colorado River Basin requires all water users to reduce water demand commensurate with what the Colorado River can realistically supply given the new normal of hotter, drier weather,” said Ron Burke, President and CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency. “To this end, the Alliance for Water Efficiency commends the commitments from local water providers to expand water efficiency and conservation programs.”
In a joint letter of support, seven environmental, conservation, and non-governmental organizations called the MOU “an important step in the right direction,” further stating that “achieving these commitments is a necessary first phase to preserve the longevity of the Basin.”
Today’s announcement builds upon an initial MOU executed in August 2022 between Aurora Water, Denver Water, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Pueblo Water and Southern Nevada Water Authority, significantly expanding participation and commitments from water providers across the Basin to implement best practices to conserve and enhance water efficiency.
Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority
David Morris, , 505-264-5691
City of Santa Fe
Christine Chavez, , 505-955-4219
UTAH
Central Utah Water Conservancy District
Lisa Anderson, , 801-226-7100
Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District
Matt Olsen, , 801-565-4300
Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities
Chloe Morroni, , 801-702-0801
Washington County Water Conservancy District
Karry Rathje, , 435-668-5622
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lake-Mead-cropped-primary.jpg450845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-11-16 14:42:402022-11-16 15:05:33Water Agencies Unite and Commit to Reducing Demands on Colorado River
Chula Vista, Calif. – In order to secure additional water sources for our customers, Sweetwater Authority initiated a controlled transfer of water between its two reservoirs on November 15, 2022. Water that leaves Loveland Reservoir is transferred through the Sweetwater River channel and captured at Sweetwater Reservoir where it can be treated and distributed to Authority customers at a lower cost than importing water. Drought conditions and lack of rainfall in the region have created a need to transfer this water to Sweetwater Reservoir.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SWAbluelake-LR.png200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-11-16 13:12:492022-11-16 13:12:49Controlled Transfer of Water from Sweetwater Authority’s Loveland Reservoir Begins November 15
Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District invites amateur photographers of all ages to Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve for the sixteenth annual amateur photography contest that will run November 21, 2022 through April 23, 2023.
The 784-acre reserve is celebrating 30 years of operation in 2022, and the contest prompts participants to capture its natural beauty in creative and unique ways. The 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails provide opportunities to photograph Escondido Creek, native plant communities, the Pacific Ocean, Channel and Coronado Islands, and Laguna and San Bernardino mountain ranges.
“This is the first year that we’ve held the contest over the fall and winter months, and we hope that it will inspire visitors to view and photograph the reserve in a new way,” said OMWD Board President Larry Watt.
San Diegan and registered civil engineer Lois Fong-Sakai has been elected secretary of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Los Angeles-based water wholesaler that serves nearly 19 million people in six counties.
Fong-Sakai, who represents the City of San Diego on the San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors, is the first Asian-American to serve as an officer of the MWD board.
“It’s a great honor to serve not only San Diego County, but all of Southern California,” said Fong-Sakai. “Extreme drought conditions create significant challenges that will be best addressed through collaboration and cooperation across the region.”
Fong-Sakai’s relatives were Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans who came to the United States in the 1850s and embraced the importance of voting and civil discourse – elements of democracy that Fong-Sakai is passionate about in her new role. “As secretary, I will seek to allow all voices and opinions to be heard respectfully, including those of minority positions,” she said. “Open and inclusive discussions will make Metropolitan stronger and benefit everyone in Southern California.”
SAN DIEGO – As the City of San Diego continues to make major progress on one of the largest infrastructure projects in the City’s history, there will be temporary impacts to some water activities at Miramar Reservoir. For the safety of residents and visitors, water activities at Miramar will be suspended beginning next week through early 2023 due to pipeline construction work for the Pure Water Program. Shore areas, including picnic and barbecue areas, paths and shore fishing, will remain accessible to the public during the project.
Water activities will also be suspended in mid-2023 during a second phase of the pipeline project. During these two construction periods, boats, canoes, kayaks and float tubes will not be allowed. The 1-mile pipeline at Miramar Reservoir will include pipeline assembly on barges on the surface of the reservoir before being sunk and permanently installed underwater. The first phase of construction includes the completion of tunneling into the reservoir (mid-November 2022 to early 2023) and the second phase, starting mid-2023, will include the construction of the pipeline on the reservoir.
“This pipeline project is a crucial part of the Pure Water Program that will be vital to providing drinking water in the future,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director of the City’s Public Utilities Department. “We are focused on limiting the impacts to our facilities while this work is underway, and we appreciate the public’s patience during the construction phases.”
The project team will work to minimize inconveniences associated with traffic, construction noise and large construction equipment, but please plan extra time for parking when visiting the reservoir.
Pure Water San Diego is the City’s phased, multi-year program that will provide nearly half of our water supply locally by 2035. Pure Water will use proven purification technology to clean recycled water and produce safe, high-quality drinking water. The program offers a cost effective investment for San Diego’s water needs and will provide a reliable, sustainable water supply.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/San-Diego-Logo.jpg200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2022-11-10 13:17:352022-11-10 13:17:35Progress on City of San Diego’s Pure Water Pipeline to Temporarily Impact Water Activities at Miramar Reservoir
Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019
